Taijul will be key: Sunil Joshi

Sports Desk
Bangladesh spin consultant Sunil Joshi believes that consistency of Taijul Islam will be key against Zimbabwe in the upcoming two-match Test series, slated to begin at Sylhet from November.
In absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who is recovering from a finger injury, Taijul is expected to lead the spin attack along with Mehidy Hasan Miraz against the visitors, who have shown their weakness against slow bowlers on more than a few occasions.
“I think Taijul has been very consistent. I have been watching him since I have joined the Bangladesh team and he has been very successful in Test cricket,” Sunil told reporters after the practice session at Sylhet.
“Though he plays in only one format, he has been bowling consistently in one area. Test cricket requires consistency because it’s a test of character,” he said.
“I know we will all miss Shakib because he is a great cricketer but at the same time, it’s the best opportunity for Taijul and Miraz to focus and take that responsibility and do well for the team. We have a really good talent with the team.
“I think it’s all about focusing on the batsmen’s weakness which we have done in the ODIs,” he added. Sylhet will be making its debut as the eighth Test venue of the country and according to the former Indian left-arm spinner, the wicket is expected to assist everyone.
“I think it is been really good. The wicket had true bounce in the practice pitches and though we have not seen the match wicket, where we practice, it is a true wicket,” said Sunil.
Sunil said he is also looking forward to seeing how Nazmul Islam takes the opportunity after selectors added him due to his consistent performance in the shorter format though the spin-bowling consultant did not disclose whether team management will include him in the playing XI or not.
“I think since Shakib is ruled out because of injury, team management and the selectors thought of recognizing Nazmul Islam’s performance, since he has been doing well in the last one year or so in ODIs and T20Is. “He has been given an opportunity to get into the Test team, we need to wait and watch what team combination will suit us,” said Sunil. “Before we give him an opportunity we can’t really say anything.

Considering his ODI and T20 skills in bowling, the selectors and the management though to get him into the squad and then to get him into the test matches,” he added.